In You Go

Doorways direct the flow of traffic in and out of rooms or hallways. Their tendency to restrict movement makes them potential bullet magnets and traps as in nature. That’s why they’ve historically been called “fatal funnels” among other things. The training tendency is to limit time spent in doorways due to this restrictive movement issue. But remember, expedited movement without proper clearance can force you to confront armed threats at very short range with no alternative but to “go big or stay home.”

The application of door entry tactics generally falls into two categories. First is the dynamic method invoking the theory of speed and surprise to generate overpowering presence. Some protocols support explosive diversionary devices or flash bangs. When applied by the right people in the right place at the right time, the “element of surprise, violence of action and audacity” are viable concepts — but often not practical for conventional patrol cops.

The second option is a more systematic and methodical technique in the covert or stealth mode. Since it’s often better to be conservative in one- or two-person tactics I’m only going to address the second method of covert or stealth mode even though some of the movements discussed may seem to be applied rather quickly such as the physical act of passing the threshold.

Part I: The Approach

The first part, your approach should include application of the two “Ms”. Maximize the distance to the threat and Minimize yourself as a target. Never forget to check for a route of escape away from the door should something very bad happen when the door opens.

Part II: The Search

During your search stay as far away from the doorway as possible and work to one side of the door or the other and position yourself to look as far as possible into the room you’re about to enter. Back away and keep as much distance as possible with your muzzle between you and the threat area as you visually slice the open doorway — moving as smoothly as possible. Do not do this fast. Your movement should be arc shaped; visually slicing the new area acquired with each lateral step of the curve until you reach the wall on the other side of the open door. Be guarded to not break the plane with your muzzle or any body parts (elbows, feet, mustache). By working to either side of the doorway you’ll be able to see far into the room. If during this clearing movement you see them or they see you — the fight’s on. The walls and door between you and the threat are at best concealment — not cover. Move to whatever protection is available. When visually slicing, I look for “one” inch of something I don’t like, a muzzle, elbow, foot, hat brim — anything giving me early warning of a potential threat. If you visually locate something you don’t like, a verbal compliance request can be made. If they comply — you win the lotto — if not then you’ll know other means may be required.

Part III: The Entry

The third and last part of the entry is going through the doorway. While conducting your search decide where you want to end up in the room after you go in. As an example, when entering you can cross over by starting on the outside of the door on the right and then go through the door to the left side of the doorway into the room. A key point is to pass through the doorway smoothly, quickly and quietly.  Put your back to what you feel is a safe area, like the last place you looked before you came through the doorway.

Based on the makeup of the room you can stage yourself in the doorway facing the most dangerous or open area and carefully roll or lean in to get the first visual look into the room — over your sights — not actually trying to get into the room but “getting a foot in the door” so to speak. Remember, minimum you — maximum them.


Open Sim Sim

Ali Baba may have found opening and clearing a closed door is a little more complicated only in the sense of opening the door. Once the door comes open the search can be similar to the technique you used for the doorway. On the approach check the hinges of the door.  Hinge pins out means the door opens to you. No visible hinge pins means the door opens inward. Be aware of interior pocket doors, which have no hinges or doorknob. To open this type of door you will need to slide it into the wall. As an example, the door you’re about to open has the knob on the right and the hinges on the left. This door is going to open to you from the right to the left. If possible, set up on the right side using your left hand to open the door knob; keep your muzzle between you and the threat area, open the door and step back smoothly while going back to a two-hand firing grip. Try not to fling the door too hard so it opens, whacks the wall, and goes back shut. At the same time don’t open the door too slowly so that someone inside has a lot of time to get ready or have a large portion of your arm and torso to shoot at.

If you have to open the same door, but in a hallway, again check the door knob and hinges as you approach and place your left foot in a position so if the door was kicked or pushed by the threat as you start to open it, the door will strike your foot and knee not your head or torso. Keeping the muzzle between yourself and the threat area and out of the arc of the door’s opening swing, grasp the doorknob with your left hand and step back as far as possible as you open the door.

Concerns

Some are concerned the threat may shoot through the door. It’s a legitimate concern, but very hard to defend against. Understandably, you’d think if they’re shooting at you through the door you should just shoot back — good concept — poor application. The people you’re fighting probably aren’t worried about bystanders or hostages, but you shoot one round and hit the wrong guy it’s get-a-lawyer-for-life time.

Basic Don’ts

Don’t stand in front of the doorway when opening it or while it’s open.   The backlight helps promote you as a target with the target indicator as an outline.

Don’t lead with your muzzle while searching or entering the doorway.  The muzzle is a dead giveaway of where you are and if you’re not careful it can cause you to fight over possession of your gun. At worst, it can be taken away and used against you.

Don’t stall in the doorway. Either go in or stay out but don’t stop in the funnel. Search, clear or engage and move on as needed. Set a dressing mirror in the room you are practicing on and in the mirror you’ll quickly see what kind of target you make for the threat.

The clearing of doors and doorways can be difficult and demanding. It can be done, but it should be practiced.